For rooftop decks and balconies, modified bitumen (commonly installed as torch-on roofing) is considered the best choice among modern flat roof materials.
When selecting a membrane for these specific areas, durability and puncture resistance are the most critical factors. The primary reasons for choosing modified bitumen include:
- Superior Puncture Resistance: Modified bitumen provides significantly higher puncture resistance than TPO roofing membranes due to its multi-ply reinforcement. This is essential for balconies where furniture, screws, and heavy foot traffic can easily damage thinner materials.
- Multi-Ply Construction: Its multi-layered structure creates a robust, waterproof barrier with built-in redundancy against leaks, which is vital for occupied roof spaces.
- Watertight Integrity: In high-traffic balcony settings, the seamless, monolithic layers formed by torch-applied seams perform exceptionally well, especially in wet climates like the Lower Mainland.
While TPO is a viable choice for energy-conscious projects due to its heat-reflecting properties, it is more vulnerable to punctures in high-traffic settings. Therefore, for maximum protection on accessible decks and balconies, a robust modified bitumen system is recommended.
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